"Pathfinder Force"

by Philip West.


Image Size: 19½ x 27in / 49cms x 69cms


Limited Editiion of 100 Prints


Passing low over Norwich Cathedral on this wintry evening, Pathfinder Mosquitoes begin to transit east from their bases on yet another dangerous night-time mission over enemy territory. They will take the lead on this bombing mission and their role is to identify and mark pre-planned targets with flares, enabling the main force of Lancaster and Halifax aircraft to drop their bombs as accurately as possible.


The Pathfinders were elite squadrons in RAF Bomber Command. Like all aircrew, these brave men took the fight to the enemy night after night until victory was achieved.


Signed by Pathfinder Mosquito Navigator Flt Lieutenant Douglas Hadland. Becoming a Navigator in 1941 he joined 162 Sqn Pathfinders on Mosquitoes. Near the end of the war he was posted back to 8 group with 692 Squadron Light Night Strike Force to prepare for the then proposed invasion of Japan.